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Australian Cattle Dog
Medium Breed
A working breed that has been indispensable for the farmers of Australia, the Australian Cattle Dog is a hard-working, alert breed that is one of the most intelligent breeds around today.
Breed standards
Country of origin
Australia
Weight
18-30 kg / 40-65 lbs (standards may vary)
Height
Males 46-51 cm / 18-20 inches; Females 43-48 cm / 17-19 inches(standards may vary)
Coat
A double coat, with a close, straight-haired outer coat lying flat to the body and a short, dense undercoat. Under the body and behind the legs the hair is longer, with hair on the head, front of legs and feet shorter.
Markings
Blue mottled: Colour should be blue, blue mottled or blue speckled with or without other markings. Red speckle: Colour should be of good even red speckle all over, including the undercoat, (neither white nor cream), with or without darker red markings on the head.
Lifespan
Above average 12-15 years
Brave and trustworthy, the breed will be unflappably loyal and protective over its family. The easy-to-train nature and distinctive look have made it the ideal companion for many people.
Temperament
The Australian Cattle Dog is first and foremost an intelligent and devoted working breed that will be unsettled if left alone and not exercised. They make excellent companions for humans and are quick to learn. Due to their strong herding instincts, they do have a tendency to nip at people heels, thus they need training and positive socialisation from an early age.
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PoorChildrenGood
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VeryCombativenessNot very
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VeryDominanceNot very
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Not veryFriendlinessGood
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Not veryIndependenceVery
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LoudNoiseQuiet
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Not veryTrainabilityVery
Good to know
The Australian Cattle Dog is an excellent herding and working dog, has high energy levels and highly intelligent.
- Makes a wonderful companion
- Versatile and intelligent
- Excels as a herding, or working dog
- Acclimates well to most climates
- Does not require trimming or stripping
- Very little grooming needed
- Not suited to apartment living, best with a larger than average yard or acreage
- Not a dog recommended for novice owners
- Must have daily vigorous physical activity
- Prone to hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and deafness